Macclesfield 25 – 13 Blackheath

Macc Director of Rugby and Head Coach Geoff Wappett hailed the efforts of his squad as they overpowered Blackheath 25-13 for a first win in six outings.

A try apiece from Josh Fowles, Tom Davenport and skipper Tom Eaton – who scored 13 points in total; helped Blues to a much-deserved win over Blackheath to return to winning ways.

Wappett said: “It was a real 20 man effort today, and was fantastic to see.

“Chris [Roddy] and Frankie [Barker] came off the bench and put some brilliant work in.

“Matt Simpson had a brilliant game at scrum-half despite it not being his first position; he showed great energy and enthusiasm and bossed the forwards well.

“They [Blackheath] looked dangerous at times but we never lost spirit and kept putting in the effort defensively.”

The home side got off to a brilliant start, sending wave after wave of attacking rugby into their opponents 22, coming very close to scoring early on.

Wappett added: “We didn’t cash in on the pressure we had especially in the first 20 minutes, but we kept on working hard.”

Two penalties from Eaton meant Macc did take something from their dominance but players and fans alike looked like they wanted more from the possession and territory.

Club had Simon Legg sin binned in the first quarter but Blues failed to take advantage of the extra man and an innocuous high kick saw the ball take an unfortunate to evade stand in full-back Ed Stobart, allowing Michael Canty to run through for the score.

Stobart’s opposite number Adam Armstrong couldn’t add the extras, but the points left Macc frustrated that they weren’t further ahead.

Macc could have extended their lead soon after Simpson off-loading to Chris Jones – only the pass to be deemed forward by the officials.

Josh Fowles didn’t have the same problem though running through to once again put the home side in the driver’s seat.

An Armstrong penalty reduced the deficit to five points at half time, Macc knowing the job was only half done.

Both sides were fired up after the break but Club made the better of the start, an Armstrong score levelling the match at 13 apiece.

Macc’s intensity didn’t drop though and scored two tries in seven minutes; first through Eaton and then Tom Davenport- rounding off brilliant performances for both players.

Eaton added the conversion to put the result beyond doubt, and with introduction of fresh legs, Macc were able to see out the last ten minutes with relative ease.

A visible outpour of emotion followed the final whistle, players, fans and staff alike relieved to have ended such a difficult period for the club.

Wappett said: “I’m a grandfather and I wouldn’t expect to see my grandchildren with a better look on their face on Christmas morning, it looked like they’d just opened all their presents at once.

“It makes it all worthwhile, seeing their response. The level of pleasure seemed to emanate throughout the whole club, it’s hard to create and you certainly can’t buy it, it’s one of the best things about rugby.”